Videos, not just reviews, are what to examine when choosing a piper, when high quality musicianship really counts toward making your event memorable and special. I would love to be your piper, and I offer concert quality professional piping plus over 160 tunes that will add a captivating musical touch to your occasion. A piper should be much more than an out-of-tune bargain amateur wearing kilt attire to look the part, especially if it is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and a piper's website or fan page should have video samples of their playing by which you can judge.
I have been performing for nearly 30 years, as a soloist at countless events and with two pipe bands.
What a great addition to our birthday party. Would do it all again.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Dennis! I enjoyed piping for y'all and chatting with you, glad you enjoyed my music. Thank you for hiring me and for your generosity.
Best,
Jim
We hired James for my aunt's funeral. I was officiating and the entire funeral was graveside. Graveside funerals are difficult for including music. James was able to play a selection of traditional Scottish music before and after the funeral. In addition, he opened and closed the funeral with hymns. It was reverent and appropriate for the occasion and was a blessing to our family. James was professional and friendly. He knew exactly what we needed for such a difficult time. I would hire him in a minute for any occasion.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Donald. Happy to provide comfort through music for your family and I'm glad y'all enjoyed it.
Jim Freeman was even better than expected. His piping was the highlight of the evening. Everyone enjoyed his musical selections and he was very gracious and interesting to talk with.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Barry! It was a joy to pipe for y'all and a great time.
Jim was so nice and did a really great job! Everyone thought he was so personable and LOVED the music. He even took the time to learn a special request song in advance. Would recommend him anytime.
Thanks so much Jim!!
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you Sherry! Y'all were a great audience. Loved everyone's Scottish attire.
Photos from this event
Our family was not disappointed in choosing Jim to play for us at our parents internment at the Florida National Cemetery. Our father was a Navy Veteran as well as a retired Firefighter. Jim's heartfelt piping was the perfect touch to his, and our mother's, final farewell and gave comfort to the entire family/friends present at the event.
Thank you Jim for sharing your talents as well as your sincere condolences with our family. Your helped make a difficult day a bit easier as you wrapped us up in your beautiful melodic piping. God bless.
Jim provided a very thoughtful and great service for us. Highly recommended. Thank you.
Jim was so courteous and professional.
My family was up lifted by the experience for my father’s celebration of life.
Best investment I have ever made.
Loved it.
Let Jim know he touched my family’s heart that day!
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Danny! Your kind words lift me up and make piping the more worthwhile. Thanks also to your friends and family. I'm glad to have added so to your dad's memorial service.
Our group thoroughly enjoyed his performance. A wide variety of songs. Highly recommend having James at your event or function.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Lynn! Your group was a pleasure to pipe for, and I loved that they all stood and sang along on America the Beautiful. Best-Jim
Very glad we booked James Freeman for our event.
He knows his bagpipes and plays them well, very professional.
You can tell when someone loves what they do as its shows. If you're looking for someone to play the bagpipes at your event, hire this man, you will not be disappointed.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you Stanley for your kind words, and for hiring me. Best to you and your family in 2022.
Jim was amazing, both as a musician and an entertainer. I strongly recommend him for your event.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Logan. You all were a joy to perform for. Merry Christmas and best in 2022.
James was very responsive to our inquiry. We were ordering a piper for a friend's funeral. He took the extra time to contact the family directly to be sure their wishes were followed. He arrived on time and played as we asked. Would highly recommend James.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Edna! Merry Christmas to you all!
If you are interested in a professional piper, on time and does exactly what he says he does look no further. I booked with gig salad and the event went off perfect
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Anthony! Best wishes to your daughter and future son-in-law, and to you all.
Great music from all different famous Scottish times of history. Amazing hearing the pipes through the grass blowing in the wind. Really takes you to another place and time.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Cathy! I'm glad you both enjoyed it so.
Jim did a great job. Thanks!
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thanks, Bill! You all were a great audience, and I had a blast marching everyone around the pool and to the podium.
He showed up early. Sounded amazing. Polite. Professional. Like I said, perfect.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Many thanks, Justin! Thank you for the tip and for hiring me. Wishing you and your family the best moving forward.
The funeral director really screwed this up! The director didn't open the doors to hear James play during the funeral, only heard James before and after.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Dear Rhett,
I'm sorry this happened. I communicated in detail with the funeral home beforehand and suggested open doors as I do for all enclosed venues during the pandemic, and I performed a lot of music as we had planned for guests as they arrived. Not sure the sound would have carried all the way back around the curved halls and into the chapel anyway. Thank you guys for the extra cash tip.
Take care,
Jim
James is a wonderful musician and human. James performed flawlessly for my fathers funeral service. He took the lead on music, positioning and Scottish authenticity. James gave me the confidence to grieve with my family and for that I will be forever thankful.
Thank you, James.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Chris, for your kind words and for hiring me to pipe for your father's memorial. It was an honor to pipe for him, and I'm glad that it comforted you and your family. Wishing you peace and healing in the year to come.
I would hire him again...very timely, professional and his playing of the Irish music fantastic...thank you.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Theresa! It was good to pipe for an audience that so appreciated it.
Best wishes to you all,
Jim
James was excellent!
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thanks Jen! It was a pleasure to perform for Joyce and for your family. Thank you for hiring me.
Was a great performer. Will use again, for sure.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you all for hiring me, great audience!
The beautiful bagpipe music was exactly what my sisters and I wanted for my father’s memorial service. James is kind and respectful, a real pleasure to work with.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Beth!
I enjoyed piping for y'all and marching everyone in after the service.
Best wishes,
Jim
The whole experience with Gig Salad went smoothly. Jim’ performance was wonderful - all the guest enjoyed it. Gig Salad and Jim kept in touch allaying any fear of the process. Highly recommend Gig Salad and James Freeman.
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you for hiring me! I enjoyed piping for y'all at such a lovely setting.
Photos from this event
James Freeman played at my husband's memorial service. He was very easy to work with in planning the event, and was highly professional throughout. He led a procession of 80 people for about a block to the site where there was a dove release.He played three songs: one as the people gathered outside the church, the second as we walked and the third as we arrived at the destination. The bagpipes created a lovely ambiance. I was very pleased and I know my husband would also be pleased too. I highly recommend James.
James was great at communicating prior to our wedding. He let us pick the songs we wanted to hear from his long list of songs. This was especially meaningful to us, as the groom is Scottish. He played beautifully and we received lots of compliments from our guests. He was a good sport about posing for photos as well. We would highly recommend his service!
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Thank you, Jennifer! It was a pleasure to perform for everyone, and the setting at Doc Fords was one of the nicest locations I've ever played. All the best to you and Sean! Jim
I'm sorry that we had to cancel James, as this was a military funeral for Tom Jardis who was killed recently in the dual helicopter crash in Hawaii. The military provided bagpipes and drums for the memorial. James was wonderful about cancelling when I asked him to cancel. He will be first on my list to call if we need a bagpiper in the future, which we probably will, since this is an Irish Catholic Church.
Jim did a fabulous job for our event. His piping was powerful and beautiful. Even more important, Jim is a wonderful guy who was kind, gracious, and very accommodating. He even learned a song just for our event. We highly recommend Jim!
Response from James Freeman, The Artist Bagpiper:
Many Thanks to you and your family for this opportunity, and the kind words! That was one of my top five most memorable gigs - a great time performing with y'all and blending sounds.
James was an absolute professional! Our 400 plus guests enjoyed the special touch he brought to our restaurant. Thanks James!
Price Range: $260 and up
Gig Length: 5 - 60 minutes
Languages: English
My clients and their guests can expect a seasoned, friendly, professional and well-prepared bagpiper to deliver a spellbinding musical performance at the right juncture of any event program. Good customer service, compassion, communication, historical tune knowledge, event planning wisdom plus a growing list of roughly 100 tunes are also a benefit to those who book my performing services. People who hire me find me to be flexible and easy to work with when it comes to last-minute changes and customizing an event to be exactly what they want. When a client has only short notice and needs a tune I don't know, I've always been able to learn the tune and deliver as quickly as the next day. Mull of Kintyre (long version) was requested in November 2012, the day before a funeral, and I delivered flawlessly.
I am a professional bagpiper with a deep interest in early and classical music that eventually led me to the bagpipes, and I've been playing since 1996. I also play violin and viola, performing classical chamber and fiddle music occasionally. In addition to the Highland bagpipes, I also play the Scottish smallpipes for audiences in more closed quarters such as small pubs. Piping became a professional pursuit for me and I've piped for hundreds of clients at weddings, funerals, birthday parties, retirement parties, educational events and much more. People who hire me to play the bagpipes for their events can expect many years of experience at performing, excellent intonation, clean fingerwork, spirited musicianship, an extensive repertory of tunes and great customer service. Additionally, I offer combination lecture/performances at ecucational institutions and community organizations.
I work with each client to ensure the best acoustic positioning for performance, to enhance the ceremony and not be either too loud or soft.
| March 16, 2024 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| December 30, 2023 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Birthday Party |
| September 14, 2023 • 10:00am - 10:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| March 18, 2023 • 7:00pm - 7:15pm | House Party |
| February 13, 2023 • 5:00pm - 5:30pm | Grand Opening |
| December 24, 2022 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm | Dinner Party |
| December 05, 2022 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| December 04, 2022 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| November 12, 2022 • 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| November 05, 2022 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Reunion |
| November 05, 2022 • 9:30am - 11:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| September 24, 2022 • 2:30pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| May 21, 2022 • 5:30pm - 5:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| March 24, 2022 • 10:30am - 11:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| March 17, 2022 • 12:30pm - 1:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| March 14, 2022 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| February 09, 2022 • 7:30pm - 7:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| January 15, 2022 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| December 11, 2021 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| December 11, 2021 • 11:30am - 11:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| December 03, 2021 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| November 29, 2021 • 10:00am - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| October 23, 2021 • 7:30pm - 7:45pm | Personal Occasion |
| October 11, 2021 • 5:00pm - 5:45pm | Sporting Event |
| October 10, 2021 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Personal Occasion |
| June 12, 2021 • 10:30pm - 11:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| January 14, 2021 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| October 29, 2020 • 7:30am - 8:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| July 11, 2019 • 8:00am - 9:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| April 13, 2019 • 4:30pm - 5:00pm | Birthday Party |
| March 17, 2019 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Retirement Community Event |
| October 27, 2018 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| August 05, 2018 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| March 17, 2018 • 8:00pm - 8:30pm | Holiday Party (Other) |
| June 19, 2017 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| December 27, 2016 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| August 06, 2016 • 7:00pm - 7:15pm | Corporate Event |
| February 20, 2016 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| January 25, 2016 • 3:30pm - 3:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| January 09, 2016 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday (Adult) |
| March 17, 2015 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Holiday Party |
| October 11, 2014 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| August 28, 2013 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Funeral Service |
Here are 146 Irish, Scottish, military and popular tunes that I perform. The list grows with customer requests. In addition to traditional music, people have had me learn a couple of Johnny/June Cash tunes for weddings - "I Walk The Line", "Burning Ring of Fire" and Motown tunes.
IRISH TUNES
Minstrel Boy
Kelly, the Boy from Killane
Sean South
O'Sullivan's March
The Wearing of the Green
The Galway Shawl
Garry Owen
Danny Boy
Molly Darling
Molly Connell
Leaving Liverpool
Wild Colonial Boy
Bog in the Valley 'O
The Foggy Dew
St. Patrick's Day
March of the king of Laoise
Spancil Hill
Britches Full of Stitches
The Rakes of Mallow
Green Shores of Erin
The Stone Bridge in Killorglin (Tim McCabe)
Chester County Emerald Society Pipe Band (Tim McCabe)
When Irish Eyes are Smiling
The Star of County Down
Brian Boru's March
The Dawning of the Day
Notre Dame Fight Song
The Mermaid
The Black Velvet Band
The Irish Rover
Mush, Mush Toural-i-addy
Whiskey in the Jar
Galway Girl
O’Neill’s Cavalry March
Tura Lura Lura
McNamara’s Band
SCOTTISH TUNES
Blue Bells
Scotland the Brave
Rowan Tree
Blue Bonnets O’er the Border
Castle Dangerous
Balmoral
Setting a Course for Lewis
Green Hills of Tyrol
Mary Grant of Longhelly
The High Road to Gairloch
Piper of Drummond
Skye Boat Song
We're No Awa Ta Bide Awa
Battle of Waterloo
The Craigs of Tumbledown Mountain
Campbelltown Kiltie Ball
Thomas Sanders
Scots Wha Ha'e
The Gael
Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque
Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh
The Mermaid Song (Pipers Welcome)
Auld Lang Syne
Over the Hills and Far Away
When the Pipers Play
Bonny Portmore
Massacre of Glencoe
Lochanside
Gille Challum
I Love a Lassie
Loch Lomond
Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
A Hieland Air, (John Follin)
Prince Edward Island
Bonny Dundee
Bonny Charlie
Waltzing Matilda
Bonny Lass of Fyvie
Braveheart
Sarah's song
Mull of Kintyre
MEMORIAL/SLOW TUNES
Amazing Grace
Westering Home
When the Battle's O'er
Flowers of the Forest
Going Home
Hector the Hero
Suo Gan
Waters of Kylescu
The Mist Covered Mountains
The Dark Island
Mingulay Boat Song
Greensleeves
Come Thy Fount
King of Love
How Great Thou Art
MILITARY AND
PATRIOTIC TUNES
Taps
Caissons
Anchors Aweigh
Wild Blue Yonder
Semper Paratus
Marine Corps Hymn
Wings
Battle of the Somme
Yankee Doodle
Grand old Flag
God Bless America
WEDDING TUNES
Highland Cathedral
Love Divine
Wagner's Bridal March
Mendelsohn's Wedding March
Mairi's Wedding
The Highland Wedding
The Prince of Denmark's March
Prince Charles' Welcome to Lochaber
Ode to Joy
Simple Gifts
POPULAR TUNES
Happy Birthday
Ring of Fire
I Walk the Line
Oh Shenandoah
Oh Suzanna
Star Wars
Ellan Vannin
Our Time Will Come
FLS Seminoles War Chant
CHRISTMAS TUNES
Good King Wenceslas
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Do You Hear what I Hear?
Jingle Bells
King of Love My Shepherd Is
We Wish Ye a Merry Christmas
Hark, the Herald Angels Singing
O Come All Ye Faithful
Little Drummer Boy
What Child is This
We Three Kings
God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen
The First Noel
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Joy to the World
Angels We have Heard on High
Deck the Halls
O Christmas Tree
Away in a Manger
Up on the House Top
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Here We Come a Wassailing
Ding Dong Merrily on High
Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
The Baltimore Consort and it's renaissance bagpipers lit the fire that led me to expand from classical/early music into the world of bagpiping. Edwin George and Chris Norman's tracks on these albums started it all for me back in 1992. I continue to listen to solo and band performances on CD, YouTube and I have grown as a piper through being a member of pipe bands.
I am highly flexible and easy to accommodate for performances
Orlando, FL 
Bagpiper
186 Verified Bookings Becky O. said “Ken is a true professional. He knew exactly where and when to be in a tightly scheduled service at Jacksonville National Cemetery. He communicated well…”
Brunswick, GA
Singing Pianist
36 Verified Bookings Justin G. said “Due to the previous weekend’s freezing weather, my family was not able to have the ceremony for my father-in-law and thus could not enjoy Mr. Akins’ playing…”
Boca Raton, FL
Bagpiper
88 Verified Bookings Gene said “Toni and her husband were able to come out on short notice and provide and amazing tribute, followed by and Irish toast for the unfortunate passing of…”
Stone Mountain, GA
Bagpiper
24 Verified Bookings Trish A. said “We hired Wayne for community party- he was sweet, professional and talented. It was such a pleasure to work and chat with Wayne! 5 ⭐️‘ s for sure!”
List your services
Log In
